Shaun Ellison, McLaughlin, Cockrell, and Bol battle for Gold, 2024; Original Work

**FRAMING AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST**

What began as a tool to process Shaun Ellison’s relationship to tennis has grown into a vibrant, evocative practice that captures the spontaneity and frailty of groups, success, and failure in sport. Born in South Africa and based in Brooklyn, New York, the artist brings unity to the inherent contradictions of tennis and its history. Within his works, color, expressive composition, and unexpected figures become means by which he comments on the diversity, rigor, and growth of sport and its cultural legacy. Ellison studied at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the School of Visual Arts, and the New York Studio School. While at Louisiana Lafayette, he played for the school’s Division 1 tennis team before competing professionally on the ATP Tour. The artist has presented solo exhibitions at Taymour Grahne Projects, London, United Kingdom, and Anna Zorina Gallery, New York, NY. 

Ellison has contributed a suite of original paintings, stemming from a new body of works inspired by the recent Olympics in Paris, to benefit AFC’s initiative in support of reforestation efforts. In McLaughlin, Cockrell, and Bol battle for Gold, the three namesake athletes run and jump above obstacles placed before them. In the artist’s own words, “In the 400 meter women’s hurdle race, the women show their flexibility, strength, and technique. Their physiques are testament to the hours that they spend on their craft. They feel like Greek and Roman sculptures, and I wanted to portray that almost stone-like aspect of their bodies. I also found [these athletes] to be both elegant and strong, which feels like a form of art to me.” 

Shaun Ellison
McLaughlin, Cockrell, and Bol battle for Gold, 2024
9 x 12 inches
Acrylic on Paper
Original painting

Of this series benefitting reforestation efforts, he notes, “Reforestation is a critical issue and I’m proud to play any role that I can in protecting the environment. I am excited to collaborate with ART FOR CHANGE on this front and knowing that the personal can continue to catalyze change.”

ART FOR CHANGE will plant ten trees for each print sold to support reforestation efforts. As in all series, artists will receive 50% of the net proceeds of print sales.

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